Dear Friends of Saint Ann Shrine,
“Together-Forever” is a favorite wedding theme extolling the heart of Christian marriage. This coming July 26th, our church celebrates the feast of Saints Joachim and Ann, parents of Mary, and grandparents of Jesus. Prior to 1960, each of them had a separate liturgical feast in their honor, Joachim was on August 16th and Ann was always on July 26th. It took several centuries for the church to notice that it split up their “together-forever” commitment, but finally, since 1960, we now celebrate them united as one tremendous couple who contributed so importantly to the education and character formation of their only daughter Mary, our tainted nature’s solitary boast, whom God chose to mother Jesus, the human-divine Savior of the world.
Although neither of them is ever mentioned in the gospels, we should never underestimate the influence they had on the two most important individuals in the Mystery of Salvation – Mary and Jesus. Saint Ann is much better known than her husband Joachim, having several famous shrines and many churches dedicated to her name around the world. Both of them worked as a team, each contributing their united love, faith and guidance to their daughter and grandson. As a couple, both Ann and Joachim are reverenced as models of marital fidelity and molders of children as parents and grandparents.
So it is with a happy heart that the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament and the staff of Saint Ann Shrine here in Highland Heights Ohio, announce the Triduum devotions to honor both Saints Ann and Joachim at the weekend Masses on July 24 (6:30 pm –blessing of children); the 25th (4:30pm with Anointing of the sick); the 26th (6:30 pm. with a candlelight procession of the Blessed Sacrament and prayers).
All friends of Saint Ann Shrine are invited to gather together to re-invigorate our faith as we join in the celebration of Eucharist every evening and pray to Saints Ann and Joachim to intercede with their daughter Mary and grandson Jesus to end the current wars and to foster a renewed appreciation of human life throughout the world.
Please know that you and your intentions of prayer are remembered at the Eucharistic Liturgy, Monday – Friday, in Saint Ann Chapel, and that your contributions are appreciated for the continuing retirement and educational needs of our religious priests and brothers.
Blessings and Continued Good Health,
Father Roger Bourgeois, SSS, Chaplain
*A nine-day Novena is celebrated at Saint Jean Baptiste Church in New York City from July 18th through July 26th with Mass at 7:30PM each day.
*On July 26, 2026, we are hosting our 7th Annual “Saint Ann Giving Day” at Saint Ann Shrine. We ask you to consider a special gift in honor of Saint Ann and Saint Joachim’s Feast Day where proceeds benefit the yearly operations of the Shrine here in Cleveland. Our goal for this endeavor is $20,260, to coincide with the calendar year 2026. You can help us reach our goal by making a gift online at blessedsacrament.com, calling us in the office at 440-449-2700 (Monday through Friday), or through using United States mail. Thank you in advance for your support of this new undertaking, and for your generous support! We are here for you for all of your spiritual needs!!
*The Holiday Inn in Mayfield Heights will be offering a special discount to those who may be joining us in Cleveland for the Triduum. Please call Scott Gongos at 440-449-2700 for the special code in order to receive the discount.
*Please ask your employer if they support a matching gift program and your donation may be doubled!
*Emmanuel online magazine is a publication of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament. The mission of Emmanuel is to “see all of reality in the light of the Eucharist.” Those interested in a Eucharistic perspective on Spirituality, Culture, Scripture, Ministry, Liturgy, and Prayer will find Emmanuel to be an excellent resource. Subscribe today! Contact us at emmanuel@blessedsacrament.com.
*Please share your story of how the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament Community or Saint Ann Shrine has made an impact on your life! We would be so grateful to hear from you! You can reach me at sgongos@blessedsacrament.com or 440-449-2700.
*You can honor your loved ones or a Blessed Sacrament Community member by having a Mass celebrated in their honor during Mass at Saint Ann Shrine. Call 440-449-2700 for details.
*We are able to distribute the Blessed Oil we have in stock, while supplies last, for a donation. Contact Saint Ann Shrine at 440-449-2700 or visit our website at www.blessedsacrament.com/st-ann-shrine/. We still have Holy Water available for a donation as well.
*We invite you and your group to join us at Saint Ann Shrine for Daily Mass at 11:30AM, Monday-Friday (except on Holy Days or Holidays).
*The Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament offers a daily reflection. If you’d like to receive this uplifting message, send an email to cee@blessedsacrament.com.
*Our Blessed Sacrament religious in Bethany and at Regina Health Center pray for you daily. Please let us know of any special intentions you’d like us to remember. The Blessed Sacrament Community supports you in prayer and Eucharist. You can submit your prayer though our website and request a candle to be lit for your special intentions at www.blessedsacrament.com/st-ann-shrine/.
*We ask you to consider becoming a member of our Legacy Society by naming Saint Ann Shrine or the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament in your will. For more information, please contact Scott Gongos, Director of Mission Advancement, at 440-449-2700 or sgongos@blessedsacrament.com.
*You may also consider donating gifts of stock. Depending on the stock’s current value, you may avoid capital gains tax or deduct the loss in value while donating the proceeds of the sale to the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament. Consult your financial advisor for the most advantageous opportunities for you.
*Be sure to “Like” St. Ann Shrine on Facebook!
*If you are 70 ½ years of age or older, you can support Saint Ann Shrine or the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament through distributions from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Your IRA Charitable Rollover Gift may satisfy your annual required minimum distribution and reduce your taxable income. Consult your financial advisor for the most advantageous opportunities for you.
*We accept grants from your Donor Advised Fund (DAF)!
*Just a friendly reminder that we do NOT sell your name and contact information to other organizations!
